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BRAKES

ADVICES

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about

BRAKES
You will find in this guide all the information you need to understand the way the braking system works, a component which, more than any other, is basic to your safety. Of course, if you require any further information or advice, do not hesitate to consult the professionals in the Peugeot Network who will draw on their experience to ensure you can drive in complete safety.

THE BRAKING S YS T E M I S YO U R VEHICLES MAIN S A F E T Y C O M P O N E N T.

It enables you to slow down or stop your car under optimal conditions and must therefore respond instantly and exactly to your commands.
THUS, YOU SEE THE IMPORTANCE OF ENSURING THAT YOUR CAR IS EQUIPED WITH A PERFECTLY SAFE AND EFFICIENT BRAKING SYSTEM

S O M M A I R E

So you must be especially careful about the quality of the various components in the system. If it becomes to change any part of the brakes, we recommend the use of Peugeot Genuine Parts, all rigorously tested before receiving the Peugeot stamp of approval. They carry a one-year warranty.

BEWARE : 3 The braking system 4 Braking principle 5 Braking nowadays 6 Disc brakes 7 Brake pads 9 Brake discs 10 Drum brakes 11 Brake fluid 12 Faults in the braking system 14 Useful tips 15 Genuine Peugeot Parts The Peugeot pre-inspection for statutory vehicle tests

The braking system is fundamental. This is why, when a vehicle fails its statutory mechanical test, if it is in a poor state, it has to be re-tested following repair work.

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BRAKING PRINCIPLE.
When you press the brake pedal, the master cylinder converts this movement into hydraulic pressure. This pressure is transferred to the 4 wheels via an incompressible liquid.

BRAKING N OWA DAYS .

On modern cars, 60 % of braking is applied to the front wheels.
This is why they are usually fitted with disc brakes at the front since they last longer and are more efficient and drum brakes at the rear. However, some top-of-the-range models have four disc brakes with the front often ventilated for improved cooling.

406 braking circuit

1 2 6 3 4
1 Servo 2 Master cylinder + brake fluid reservoir 3 Ventilated brake disc

ASSISTED BRAKING (SERVO-BRAKES)

7 8

5
4 Brake pads 5 Brake caliper

6 Backplate 7 Brake shoes and cylinder 8 Brake drum

This reduces the pressure you have to apply at the pedal while, at the same time, increasing braking power. Do not forget that, when the engine is switched off, the brakes are no longer servo-assisted. Pedal pressure will be considerably increased. This allows the vehicle to be steered by preventing the wheels from locking when emergency braking is applied.

FOR WHEELS WITH DISK BRAKES

The effort applied at the pedal actuates a hydraulic caliper which forces the pads against the disc. During braking, the kinetic energy is changed into heat through friction.

SOME CARS ARE FITTED WITH AN ANTI-LOCKING SYSTEM (ABS OR ABR)

FOR WHEELS WITH DRUM BRAKES

The pressure applied to the pedal forces two shoes apart, causing them to contact the drum.

ABS hydraulic block

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DISC BRAKES.
This system is very efficient since it is progressive and dissipates heat well. This is why it is used for front brakes.

B R A K E PA D S .
To stop a one-tonne car travelling at 130 km/h requires an effort of approximately 150 kW (200 bhp).This power is dissipated in the form of heat reaching between 300 C and 800 C over the few cm2 of your brake pads !

CHECKING THE WEAR IT CONSISTS OF A cast iron disc fixed to the wheel. Calipers fitted with pads attached to the chassis. ITS PRINCIPLE The cylinder pistons in the brake calipers respond to hydraulic pressure and force the pads against the discs, slowing the vehicle down by friction.

The material the pads are made of is softer than the discs and will, therefore, wear more rapidly. This is why the pads must be checked regularly and changed when the thickness of the friction material is worn down to 2 mm.

BEWARE : IF YOUR PADS ARE FAULTY

There is a risk that the brake disc will be damaged. More importantly, you risk losing control of the vehicle following sharp braking. 7

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THE BRAKE PADS. ( c o n t d ) Always ensure you genuine pads are fitted, since a car of the same model or same year may be fitted with different types of calipers which are not-interchangeable. It is possible to manufacture the same shape brake pads but using different materials ; they may not offer the same performance qualities.

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BRAKE DISCS.
Brake discs are very sensitive components. Each time the brakes are applied, they come under great strain and so must comply with very strict technical specifications.
YOUR DISCS MUST, OF COURSE, BE IN PERFECT CONDITION TO ALLOW YOUR PADS TO FULFIL THEIR ROLE WITH MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY We therefore recommend that they are checked each time the pads are changed. If they are deeply scored, glazed, cracked or rusty, replace them immediately. Remember that when you have your brake discs replaced, you must also have new pads fitted. You must always replace both discs on the same axle to avoid unequal braking.

You must always replace the pads on both wheels on the same axle.

ASBESTOS-FREE PADS

ASBESTOS ASBESTFREI FREE

SENZO AMIANTO

NE ASBESTFRI CONTIENT PAS D'AMIANTE ASBESTITON

SIN ASBESTFRIA AMIANTO

ASBEST VRIJ

Peugeot was one of the first manufacturers to have developed the technology of asbestos-free brake pads, since January 1995.This policy solves the problems linked with the use of asbestos without affecting braking characteristics. 8

Like your pads, your discs wear out. Remember to have them checked regularly and change them as soon as it becomes necessary. 9

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DRUM BRAKES.
THIS SYSTEM IS MADE UP OF : a cast iron drum attached to the wheel, shoes fixed to the chassis and lined with a material which has a high resistance to friction and heat, a wheel cylinder which forces the linings and drum into contact with each other.

B R A K E F L U I D.
Brake fluid is an incompressible liquid pumped by the master cylinder to transmit to the four wheels the effort applied at the brake pedal.
ALTHOUGH AN INDICATOR LIGHT WARNS YOU WHEN THE MINIMUM LEVEL IS REACHED, IT IS PREFERABLE TO CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID BEFORE SETTING OUT.

If the level of the fluid falls abnormally, consult your Peugeot dealer or agent without delay. Used brake fluid can take in water and cause a loss of braking power, it can even cause brake fade in the case of intensive braking (mountain areas, for example).

Rear drum braques

The shoes, cylinders and springs all contribute to balanced braking of your car. When drum brakes are repaired, the shoes, wheel cylinders and springs should also be replaced. In fact, even though they are used less often than the disc pads, they are, nonetheless, subject to equal stress. The thickness of the linings must always be greater than 1.5 mm. To ensure this, regular checking is recommended. When braking, faulty or substandard parts may cause the rear of the vehicle to break away because of rear wheel lock, noisy brakes and increased pedal travel.

To simplify the repair of pre-assembled rear brake kits, including the shoes, return system and pistons, we recommend that you regularly check the condition of the shoes and, of courses, to change them if the thickness of the lining is less that 1,5 mm or if they are greasy.

We recommend you regularly check and top up the brake fluid (change every two years or 60 000 km). 11

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H OW TO R E C O G N I S E FA U LT S I N YO U R B R A K I N G S YS T E M .
THEY JUDDER Your handbrake is on : the brake fluid level is too low or the pads are badly worn. Your brakes may be close to failure...

When the brakes are applied even gently, they lock up : this indicates a problem with the discs, the linings or one of the brake parts is loose or broken.

THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT LIGHTS

The brakes are stuck on : they are heating up and there is the danger of sudden failure. THE BRAKES ARE HOT You have to press hard to brake : this may be caused by a failure in the servo assisted braking unit, hydraulic pipes, wheel cylinders, calipers...

THE PEDAL IS SOFT

The brake pedal becomes spongy and has no resistance : you then have to pump the pedal to brake : this is a clear sign that there is a serious fault in the hydraulic system.

VIBRATION

On braking, the brake pedal, steering wheel and sometimes the whole vehicle starts to vibrate : the brake discs are probably faulty, or there is a loose part or excessive play in the front or rear suspension.

THE PEDAL IS STIFF

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THE BRAKES PULL TO ONE SIDE

The car swerves : it may be that a wheel cylinder or a caliper is seized or quite simply a tyre may be under-inflated !

Brakes : a job for the professionals. Your Peugeot customer adviser is the best person to judge when a repair is necessary.Trust him. 13

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USEFUL TIPS.
Some easy to use tips.
When driving on a wet road or following a wash in a car wash : the front discs and pads may be wet and the efficiency of the brakes can be slightly reduced. From time to time press lightly on the brakes to dry out them. Following the fitting of new pads, bed them in by applying the brakes several times. The hand brake or emergency brake is also an important component in the brake circuit. It is therefore recommended that its efficiency be checked and an adjustment made if necessary.

GENUINE P E U G E OT PA RT S .
In terms of your safety this means : - A rigorous and precise set of specifications. - Materials of irreproachable quality. - Leading edge technology. - Rigorous quality control. Peugeot brake pads and pre-assembled kits provide a guarantee of the materials used, effectiveness, safety and resistance to wear and tear.

T H E P E U G E OT PRE-INSPECTION F O R S TAT U TO RY VEHICLE TESTS.

For your peace of mind Peugeot offers a free* pre-inspection for statutory vehicle tests, covering 125 points, 69 of which are compulsory repair points.

A braking system cannot be really efficient without shock absorbers and tyres being in good condition. In fact, it is the tyres which give the car its grip on the road ; when they are worn, they can cause the vehicle to swerve or skid under heavy braking.

This is a painstaking check ensuring you can go for your statutory mechanical inspection with an easy mind.

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*At participating Peugeot dealers

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